Mixing Metaphors
 Mixing metaphors is not a good habit.  In fact, for lack of a better word, it is bad.  It is a dangerous predicament that will have you on thin ice with your readers, and you may end up in hot water.  Oh wait, that was a mixed metaphor, wasn't it?  Well, if mixing metaphors is not a good idea, how about mixing brands?  When it comes to video many people like to stick to one particular (favorite) brand, especially with cameras and tapes.  For example: you wouldn't want to use Sony tapes with a Panasonic camera,.  Stick with one brand of tapes.  Mixing tape brands can lead to clogging the heads.  Some use dry lubricant, and others wet.  However, I just took some advice, which I now pass on to you, of a very good reason to literally mix brands.  I'm not talking about cameras and tapes, but rather tripods.

I typically talk about my personal mistakes in this column.  For quite some time I've been using a Sunpak 7500 Platinum Pro as my tripod.  It has sturdy legs that expand pretty high and I bought it for this reason.  On the other hand, the tripod head (with an advertised fluid effect) left much to be desired.  It was very difficult to get a good smooth pan or tilt on this head. If you click on the following links you’ll see what I’m talking about. At least the mistakes aren’t terribly noticeable or too costly: http://www.sermonspice.com/product/16663/worship-1-2f2-cd-info and the sequel http://www.sermonspice.com/product/24040/lukewarm-hymns-cd-info.  In both of these videos my poor wife was stuck with providing the pans and tilts using a not so suitable piece of equipment, while I did the acting.  She did the best anyone could do, and after several takes, I used the best one.  So naturally, after all of this I looked into upgrading to a nicer tripod.  Of course, I was looking at the Manfrotto options, but then I came upon an interesting tidbit. 

 Take the best from the world of Sunpak and mix it with the best of Velbon, and avoid the high cost of a Manfrotto.  Though the Manfrotto would be better and more durable, if the budget does not allow for it, this is a great option.  Using the legs of the Sunpak 7500 pro ($69 at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/538299-REG/Sunpak_620_7575CC_7500_Pro_Platinum_Tripod_with.html) with the Velbon PH-368 fluid head, will result in a very good video tripod for under $100!  I snagged my Velbon head at B & H for $29.99 with free shipping- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/152289-REG/Velbon_PH_368_PH_368_2_Way_Panhead.html.  One more product that would be wise to invest in is a padded case to keep the dust away from the gears, etc.- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259877-REG/Vidpro_TC35_TC35_Padded_Tripod_Case.html- for only $10.

Maybe you didn't even know this can be done.  It is very easy.  You simply hold the bottom of the head and turn it counter-clockwise.  It comes right off.  Then the old head can be used elsewhere (more on that later).  I want to get back to the Velbon head.  I bought it because I’d read about it, and it was relatively cheap.  I thought, "It can't be much worse," than what I’m already using. If it is, I'll use it for something else.  I had read some reviews that were critical but written by what I considered “Snobby Pros”. So I didn't know what to expect.  But when it arrived and I used it, and moved it around and got use to its feel,  I became, I don't know, giddy, I guess.  As much as I enjoy writing, mixing metaphors and all, I simply cannot put into words what a difference this head makes.  It is a world of difference.  Words fail in describing the improvement gained from this switch-a-roo.  Since this is Christian VIDEO Magazine, maybe it'd be best to show you in a comparison video that I made and give you a reason as to exactly why you should think about getting one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYdGQD9bLPs.  In this short clip, I compare the Velbon to a cheap throw away tripod (not with the Sunpak).  If you need a new and better tripod but don't want to spend a fortune on it, go this route.  I'm very happy I did.

Then after conducting this tripod surgery, you can do more with your old head.  For example, as seen in this picture, I took off the head of the Sunpak and placed it on my steadycam.  This is basically Johnny Lee's $14 "Poor man's Steadycam" (http://steadycam.org) with a few modifications.  The modifications are obviously the tripod head, the grip, and a 1 pound wrist weight around the bottom.  I still need some practice with it, and since the head was added, the place to hold it has changed.  Here's a short clip showing some test footage of my kids on their scooters- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLl-yNzmg3s.  I realized, too late, that I forgot to enable the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) setting on my camera.  This would've helped for a smoother image.  All in all, I'm pleased with the progress in both tripod and steadycam applications.  These changes help me be able to achieve better shots with greater ease.

Mixing metaphors is a bad idea.  Mixing tripod heads can be good.  However, to add one more semi-related note, more philosophical in nature, let's remember once more not to mix metaphors in pulpit ministry.  Video is an aid to the age-old proclamation of truth through God's word.  It is not to take the place of preaching.  It is a way to enhance preaching all the while adapting the timeless message to today's technology, but it cannot and should not take the place of preaching entirely.  It is incapable of replacing such an institution.  No matter how much technology advances, there will always be a place for communicators of God's truth to have a forum in which to instruct God's people in the way we should live.  Video is simply a means to help preachers and teachers achieve these goals with greater effectiveness.  Let's not confuse the two.  Let's allow video to add and not detract from the life-changing power of the pulpit.

Gregory is a preacher in South Texas with a passion for combining the timeless message of God’s grace with the technology of our day.  On the side he produces videos for “FishXpressions” at http://sermonspice.com/producers/profile/285. Without formal training, he has set out to learn how to create better and higher quality films. Apart from this column, he also maintains a production blog with tips, helpful links, and other musings at www.fishxpressions.wordpress.com.